" tribal Experience"
Filipinos are rich in many cultures and traditions that makes us unique and full of life in colors . For a long time doing my calling as a minister of the Gospel, this is the most enjoyable but breath taking experience ever encountered. HIGAONON tribe was the first tribal mission i encounter and experience. They are located on the mountains here in Mindanao. We walked for many hours ,we climbed through mountains cross over many rivers and a lot slipped in the downhills. But it is all worth it.
When we reached the place, it's a satisfying moment . It feels your are someone very important like a "star" in their eyes. Me, and my team in the minisrtry with warm welcome which is very heart warming . After an hour of knowing with the ordinary native people,time to meet the "DATU" and the "BAE" of the tribe. DATU is the male leader and the BAE is the female leader. At this time, we interact different from the ordinary members of the tribes. Sinsitivity is required in talking and discussing things to the leaders. You have to understand them in a way that i never experienced before. You must consider their language, culture, way of living, their beliefs and practices aswell.
Our goals and purpose in reaching to those tribes is our passion to preach the Gospel to every tribes and every people. They introduce their belief by performing some rituals, calling their "Magbabayah" which means God the creator in their native dialect. The cheiftain of the Datu called everyone to order and everyone are encourage to offer money of any amount . In the table, they formed the money in circle. In the middle of the money that is in circle form they put a plate, in a plate they put a piece of clothes, seeds and many more then they call on their God the Magbabayah in a form of enchanment. Praying in their own language, big,fat chicken was sacrifice and spill the blood on the platein the middle of the table
It's an amazing and memorable xperience. I witness all thier rituals with my own eyes which i thought it was impossible. After having their rituals done, its our time, our pleasure to introduce our faith and beliefs in God which they also called Magbabayah in a different manner. I know that it was also strange and knew to them. By the grace of God we finish everything victoriously. Many Datu's and so with tge BAE accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour in their lives. When everything is done, we have the joyous time to enjoy each other especially the food in the long table built by bamboo tree if I'm not mistaken. A plate made by banana leaves. We eat and share,eating together in unity and one accord.
Glory to God for the success and victory belongs to our Magbabaya " Jesus Christ ".
I specially extend my gratituude of thanks to @juichi for welcoming me in steemit.ph,steem community and to dear friend for being the instruments of this all @loloy2020 ,@steemitphcurator.
